Windsor Wilsonz wrote: I have had my 2009 Ram 1500 for approx 3 months. It is one of the best trucks I have ever owned. The quality of materials and the assembly quality is amazing. I have only towed about 500 km's with the truck and so far so good. My trailer has a loaded weight of approx. 6200 lbs and I figure around 700-750 lbs of tongue weight. Dropped on the hitch it dropped the truck approx 2 in. and when I put the bars on, the trucks rear end came back up 1 in. for a total drop of just 1 in. This is without adjusting the hitch at all, it was set up for my 2008 Ram 1500 which is similar. I am quessing I could reduce that 1 in. drop to almost nothing with some adjusting of the hitch/bars. I have purchased a set of airbags that have not been installed yet, it will be interesting to see the difference they will make. This is a 1/2 ton truck, so with the trailer hitched up, I do not think it would be a good idea to load hundreds of pounds of gear in the box. As far as towing, the truck was very stable and it had plenty of power. I am quite happy with the tow experience so far, I will know better after I have several thousand km's towing with the truck. I will say that I would not think about towing anything more then 6500-7000 pounds with the Ram 1500 so if your trailer is small to medium type trailer, I think the Ram 1500 will do fine. So in my opinion, coils are ok for light duty and if you need more truck, get a 3/4 tone truck. I will post further tow experiences next year when camping starts again. Have a nice evening. Greg
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally a 2009 Dodge owner gave a report.
Your mentioning 6500-7000 lbs. as your personal limit makes sense for any 1/2 ton whether coil or leaf sprung on the rear end.
I think that these factory tow-weight claims from the big 3 plus nissan and toyota are all too high anyway. Only exception is probably the heavy 1/2 ton that GM built on a 3/4 ton frame.
I'm towing roughly 10K lbs. of tt with my 3/4 ton 2005 Ram, and that's plenty for me.
*****
Anyway, please let us all know how your coil sprung rear end 1/2 ton Dodge fairs after you've towed a few miles?
Also: Did you have a recent or later year Dodge 1/2 ton previous to using this new one? If you did, how do they compare in towing if your towing the same weight TT?
Regards, Eightballsidepocket
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab, Cummins, 48RE Tranny, Lg Bed, Line-X Spray-on Bed Liner.
06 T25BS Komfort Trailblazer TT
"If you can't say it in person, it isn't worth saying while hiding behind an anonymous P.C.!"
I've had my 09 since the spring. I traded my 06 2500 CTD in for it so I had some doubts as to it's ride and ability. I'm honestly shocked how well it handles. I was worried that it wouldn't feel "planted" to the road and that any considerable weight would make it feel unstable, that is NOT the case at all. The ride quality unloaded is VERY smooth compared to my previous HD truck and it continues on when loaded. My TT sits around 6500 if I'm not mistaken, I pulled it around 2500 miles in August and it did rather well. My only wish would be that I got a better gear ratio, of course that is only a wish when I am towing.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'll answer them if I can.
five'er wrote: Thanks surveyorjp, I hope I can help.
I've had my 09 since the spring. I traded my 06 2500 CTD in for it so I had some doubts as to it's ride and ability. I'm honestly shocked how well it handles. I was worried that it wouldn't feel "planted" to the road and that any considerable weight would make it feel unstable, that is NOT the case at all. The ride quality unloaded is VERY smooth compared to my previous HD truck and it continues on when loaded. My TT sits around 6500 if I'm not mistaken, I pulled it around 2500 miles in August and it did rather well. My only wish would be that I got a better gear ratio, of course that is only a wish when I am towing.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'll answer them if I can.
What is your rear gear ratio? Also, do you have the Hemi, and if so, what is your towing and empty fuel mileage so far?
You gave up an 06 3/4 ton Cummins for the 09 gasoline powered 1/2 ton Ram. The 06 was only 3 years old. What was the motivation to give up the 3/4 ton diesel for the 1/2 ton gasser?
I believe the Gear Ratio in the truck is 3:55. The truck has the 5.7L Hemi. I am not 100% sure on the mileage but it's pretty comparable to what I got in my Diesel. I'm getting about 9MPG towing and 17MPG empty. I'm not a light driver so I'
m sure both numbers could be better if I made an effort to try. I'll try and pay closer attention.
I did give up my 06 CTD and at times I miss it. I did it as it was up on lease. I could have bought it out but decided at the time I didn't need the truck I had to do what I do with it. The monthy cost to own, the service and the fuel was very expensive. It's much nicer now when I fill up and it costs me $70 where as the Diesel would always suck back over $100. I know the tank was larger and got me further but it's the way it plays on your mind. Also it was nice to go in and get the oil change and tires rotated on the new one for $40 vs the $120 for the Diesel. There are pro's and cons of each truck.
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